by Andy Cohen
First published 2012
Andy Cohen chronicles his path from television-obsessed kid in St. Louis to the executive behind Bravo's reality empire. Cohen describes his childhood devotion to shows like Charlie's Angels and All My Children, writing daily letters to his mother from summer camp with reminders to record his favorite soaps. He remained closeted through high school despite obvious signs, then came out in college and pursued his TV dreams. The memoir traces his career from interviewing idol Susan Lucci for his college paper through ten years at CBS News, where he experienced numerous mishaps. Cohen shares behind-the-scenes stories from creating The Real Housewives franchise and encounters with childhood heroes. His journey culminates with hosting Watch What Happens Live, where he interviews the celebrities he once watched from his couch. Cohen writes with the same direct, irreverent style that defines his television work, offering readers an insider's perspective on how a superfan transformed his pop culture obsession into a media career.
Genres: autobiography, biography-memoir
Vibes: direct, emotional, intimate, irreverent
Tropes: celebrity, insider-perspective, memoir
Setting: St. Louis
Period: 21st-century
288 pages · Hardcover · Henry Holt and Co.